Team India's defeat in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru is attributed to poor pitch judgment, a batting collapse, and ineffective bowling. Despite calls for change, former bowler Raju advises retaining KL Rahul,

If Rohit Sharma calls Shubhman Gill in, Sarfaraz Khan or KL Rahul are most likely to face the axe. KL Rahul, who earlier used to open innings for India, was included in the team as a specialist wicketkeeper and middle-order batter,

With Gill slated to return for the second Test in Pune after India's eight-wicket defeat in Bengaluru, only one of KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan is likely to play in the XI.